Years ago the term ‘digital footprint’ would not have been referenced when discussing job search preparation yet today we know that over 90 percent of employers are checking you out online at some point during the hiring process. While you may think that this tactic is an invasion of privacy, the harsh reality is that when you post something on one of your platforms YOU are sharing it with the world and, unless modified in privacy settings, anyone can access this information freely. We are increasingly hearing about educational scholarships and job opportunities being lost because of something recruiters have found online that does not align with their professional brand or vision. We all know the marketplace is competitive so putting our best foot forward is to our advantage. This begs the question “Is your behavior on social media platforms helping or harming your career prospects”?

While many have heard of informational interviews, there are few job seekers that feel comfortable contacting an employer with such a request.
What kind of questions do I ask? Will I be bothering them? How is it going to help me in the long run?
These are common and very legitimate questions that we hear often. This post is designed to help you develop a clearer understanding of the benefits of an informational interview and the process involved.
First, let’s start by making the distinction between a job interview and an informational interview. A job interview is arranged by a potential employer in response to your job application. It indicates that you are seen as a suitable candidate for the position and are moving on to the next step in the recruitment process. On the other hand, an informational interview is arranged by the job seeker, displaced worker, career changer, recent graduate or aspiring student.

While interviews have always been stressful for most job seekers, the COVID-19 pandemic has created some further complications. Our Job Developers have created a list of additional considerations so you can set yourself up for success.

It has become much more commonplace for large employers to host a Job Fair when conducting a mass hire. This time-efficient, the cost-efficient process allows them to meet multiple candidates, in a short period of time, and form a viable first impression.

With so many job seekers expressing frustration with the impersonal selection manner used with online applications, the Job Fair format provides that face-to-face connection they often long for. Yet with so many other competitors it can be overwhelming, so we have developed a checklist to ensure you maintain a competitive edge.

For decades career counselling and testing has provided students, job seekers and career changers with guidance in choosing their appropriate career path. As with every other industry, technology plays a role in changing the way we do business. Thanks to Up360inc, EPC is now able to provide the opportunity to “try out” an occupation using virtual reality. Their goal is to design software that will allow individuals to “learn by doing in a realistic and immersive environment, overcome fears and anxieties related to on-the-job learning, develop confidence, develop transferable skills, find meaningful employment and prepare for their future”.

We are routinely asked by clients if a cover letter is necessary when applying for a job. Let’s face it, no one enjoys writing cover letters and while it may appear to be repetitive, as your relevant information is already on your resume, a cover letter is a very useful to tool to help you further highlight your ‘fit’ for both the position and the company. Being specific regarding the department or position you wish to pursue, your unique qualifications, and attributes that complement the position can help you get one step closer to obtaining the job.
When trying to determine the value of pairing a cover letter with a resume, we suggest you follow these tips.

For months we have talked about COVID…the potential impact on our health, months of social isolation from loved ones, restrictions on non-essential travel, and long-term unemployment. While many of us thought in March it would only last a few weeks, here we are 5 months later with still many restrictions in place. With long-term uncertainty and the various stages of businesses reopening, it has been challenging both supporting and advising job seekers on how to cope with the pandemic. Here are the things we know for sure:

As an agency, EPC is fortunate to have good working relationships with so many local employers. When asked to sit on an Employer Panel for Career Week, we were able to have representatives from the social service, hospitality, technical support, security, and skilled trades sectors attend. Their candid comments on what to include in a resume, what skill sets and employee characteristics to highlight, and their hiring practices will undoubtedly help with your future job search efforts.